Ergonomic laterally-pitched PC-mouse w/magnetic-cling &amp; retrofit-kit

ABSTRACT

The notion of a unique ‘magnetic-cling’ PC-Mouse operating ergonomically in association with a special PC/Mouse-pad arranged at laterally-inboard angles of 23 to 95-degrees upward from the horizontal;—thereby facilitating drastic reduction in RMI-trama known by physio-therapists as CTS (carpal-tunnel syndrome)-disease, typically owing to stressfully torqued pronated hand/wrist orientation. The preferred-embodiment comprising a special ferrous-metal mouse-pad gliding-platen, in combination with a substantially conventional PC-mouse which bottom-side is provided with an optionally user-retrofitable PM/ferro-polymer glide-shoe. The MagneMouseRx™ aggregation is thus self-energized with ‘magnetic-cling’ as to thereby maintain any position upon the LIM (laterally-inboard mouse)-pad, which preferred circular sheet-steel traversing-surface preferably includes a contiguously formed support-base portion made finitely-adjustable as to degree of angularity, by simple method of manually re-bending to desired angularity along its longitudinal-crease. This LIM-pad support-base also preferably includes a selectively reversible pivot-tongue like extension, holding a longitudinal cushion-pad in ultimately comfortable support of user&#39;s left or right hand hypothenar-eminence;—thereby enabling mirror-image use at either L/R-side of a conventional PC-keyboard or PC-laptop. Other generic-variant embodiments include adaptations enabling alternate remote use of the MagneMouseRx™ relative to ones thigh, forearm, or waist;—as well as adaptions readily folding-away within a PC-laptop.

I.) BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to Personal-computer (PC) Mouse and Mouse-padapparatus for controlling of XY-axes positioning upon a PC'sDisplay-screen; and more specifically, it relates to those said types ofsuch devices employing improved ergonomic function.

2. Relevant Prior-Art

Background research discovery provides some prior patent-art regarded asgermane to this disclosure, chronologically for example U.S. Pat. No.5,137,384 (filed: January 1992, incidentally prepared in its entirelyfor the inventors by applicant hereof) contemplates the notion ofopposed vertical PC-keyboard half portions for word-processing, but wassomewhat complicated by the use of visual-reference mirrors, yet didcontemplate the notion of the operator's hand resting upon thehypothenar-eminence portion of their palm. However, the invention didnot anticipate implementing of this therapeutically advantageous handorientation relative to PC-Mouse usage, which is altogether different asshall be explained.

In U.S. Pat. No. 5,678,800 (filed: October 1995) is shown anergonomically designed PC/Mouse-pad having an inclined planar surfacefor gliding of a conventional PC-Mouse, plus the gliding-surface isadjoined on both sides by shorter and more steeply inclined hand-restramps;—which defines a symmetrical configuration that is substantiallysquare in top/plan-view aspect, whereby the device may be used at eitherthe left or right of a PC-keyboard simply by turning it around180-degrees (the highest edge of the gliding-surface thus being adjacentthe said PC-keyboard). In use, the claimed 10-20 degree inclinationfinds the users fingers placed upon the resultingly inclined PC-Mouse,while one's palm and wrist surfaces are supported upon the approach-rampwhich defines a pronounced edge transition into the contiguously formedgliding-surface. Accordingly, while this device may offer some limitedamount of relief from the problems inherent to the horizontally-pronatedhand/wrist-orientation, the PC-Mouse is problematically free to slideout of position when users hand is removed therefrom, and it isspatially bulky while failing to provide more advanced improvements inuser comfort as are to be set forth herein.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,504,528 (filed: January 2000) is shown a specialelectro-magnetic/PC-Mouse and associated ferro-magnetic/Mouse-padcombination; wherein the PC-Mouse portion is claimed electricallypowered by an integrated electromagnet, and the Mouse-pad is inclinedfore-to-aft (not laterally). A special feature of the electro-magneticactivation resides in the provision of an ‘induction touch-sensitive’variable magnetic-force, whereby removing one's fingers therefromresults in an instant increase of magnetic-attraction power,—therebymaintaining the PC-mouse from sliding aftwardly down the inclinedgliding-surface. The inventor claims the relationships of theelectro-magnet in combination with the ferro-magnetic Mouse-pad may beinterchanged according to engineering design preference; however, theuser ergonomics involved remain of the problematicalhorizontally-pronated orientation sort; which the instant-inventorhereof asserts is potentially injurious to those regularly subject toprolonged PC-Mouse usage.

Therefore, in full consideration of the preceding patent review, thereis determined a need for an improved form of device to which thesepatents have been largely addressed. The instant inventor hereofbelieves their newly improved PC-Mouse and Mouse-pad aggregationcommercially referred to as the MagneMouseRx™, currently being developedfor production under auspices of VonHeck-Innovations/Mfg./Mkt. Co.,exhibits certain advantages as shall be revealed in the subsequentportion of this instant disclosure.

II.) SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A.) In view of the foregoing discussion about the earlier invention art,it is therefore important to make it pellucid to others interested inthe art that the object of this invention is to provide an improvedmethod and associated apparatus by which to overcome thephysiopathological problem commonly brought about during prolongedrepetative-motion tasks such as is commonly encountered via one's upperextremities,—that being per'se thefinger-thumb/hand-wrist/elbow-shoulder cooperatively articulatedaggregation. Accordingly, it is widely understood today that a certainRMI (repetative motion injury)-disease can be induced, merely by longperiods of operating a simple PC-mouse device relative to a‘substantially horizontal’ desktop surface *(ie:—whether even a desktopsupport that which is merely canted forwardly or aftwardly);—requiringwhat is to most persons, an unnaturally (ie: not relaxed) pronatedorientation of one's hand & wrist, causing the users wrist/carpal-tunnelflexor-tendons to therefore critically become torsionally-stressed as toimpingingly squeeze the median-nerve, ultimately leading to a maladyreferred to as CTS (carpal-tunnel syndrome).

The efficacy of my remedy to this pervasive condition, can be readilyunderstood as while sitting or standing for example,—by simply allowingone's arm to fall totally relaxed at one's side (thereby verticallytoward the floor);—whereby one will observe your wrist to be canted atan approximate 45-degree angle (relative to a longitudinal plane ofreference). Now simply raise your forearm upward at a right-angle toyour torso, whereby one will observe the wrist is still canted at anapproximate 45-degree angle (now relative to a desktop forexample);—this therefore being identified as the inherently neutral,hence ideally unstressed attitude or angularity condition. Accordingly,if one next slowly urges their wrist into the usual pronated position,most individuals normally sense a slight, albeit critical, feeling theyare indeed inducing at least a mild amount of stress into their wristcarpal-tunnel region. Note that the subtlety of this sensation is whatrather insidiously leads the PC-mouse operator into a seemingly harmlessphase of operation in which the ensuing damage becomes accumulative overa period of time (which duration varies with the individual).

Moreover, still using the right-hand by way of example (a left-handiteration simply being a mirror-image arrangement thereof),human-factors engineering-studies have revealed thehorizontally-pronated wrist orientation is indeed residing at thethreshold of stress, unfortunately the most extreme counter-clockwisewrist rotation obtainable by the average person;—yet upon then rotatingones right-wrist clockwise 90-degrees to a vertical position, one findstheir wrist carpal-tunnel is entirely relieved of stress, owing theaverage person can still rotate their right-wrist substantially furtherclockwise toward the usual limit of another 45-degrees (at whichapproximate 135-degree point the induced-stress within the carpal-tunnelregion of the wrist becomes substantially equivalent to that experiencedby most persons in the afore discussed problematicalhorizontally-pronated position).

Therefore, we see there is typically a total of approximately135-degrees wrist-rotation between the two exemplified wrist rotationextremes; hence, based upon these studies, myIndustrial-Design/Human-engineering research thus concluded that the‘best-compromise’ angle of wrist-rotation upward from the horizontalextrapolates to just half of that, or an optimal ‘zero-stress’wrist-angle of about 68-degrees (considered a typical average 90%-tileresult; which is conclusive enough to solidly base product-developmentcriteria upon). Accordingly, for the various generic-variantapplications of the ensuing invention disclosure, i have arrived at a‘preferred-range’ of wrist-rotation angularity to be between 60-90nominal degrees upward from the horizontally pronated orientation(regarded herein as a 0-degree point of reference); while i have foundthat even a ‘maximum-range’ of 23-120 degrees (total of 97-degrees) canbe regarded as a therapeutic ‘comfort-zone’ in terms of establishing aneasier transitional standard acceptable in terms of enabling the initialuser of my Laterally-inboard Mouse-pad (LIM-pad) to become therebyprogressively acclimated to my proposed ergonomically therapeutichand/wrist-orientation in stages. While some users may indeed readilyacclimate (ie:—physiologically adjust their hand-eye coordination) to afull 90-degree LIM (laterally-inboard mouse)-pad attitude,—yet it isfound that others need time in making their transitional progression uptoward the vertical attitude;—especially if being rotated to an extremeof 95-degrees. Indeed, in some cases the 95-degree verticalization hasbeen found particularly suitable for a growing number of PC-laptopusers, owing that the canted or vertical attitude of the platen likeMouse-pad can place the upright-edge of the LIM (laterally-inboardmouse)-pad in a position where it will interfere with convenientdownwardly hinging closure of the PC-Laptop's display-screen/Lid(note:—many display-screens are automatically shut-off via thisconveniently simple procedure, often such as when the operator desiresto take a break, or stops to answer a phone-call for example).Therefore, it is found that an approximate attitude of 95-degrees isadequate to move the apex of the LIM-pad outboard sufficiently as toobviate any possibility of accidental impact by the closing lid, whichremains well within my determined maximum of 120-degreesoutboard/wrist-rotation. The same LIM-pad can be employed inmirror-image fashion by either a left or right handed PC-mouse operatorby merely turning the LIM-pad around 180-degrees (Ref. itsvertical-axis) proximally adjacent the left or right frontal-corners ofa conventional PC-keyboard; whereto the LIM-pad's angularity may be setat any angle between 30-95 degrees according to user preference. Howeveragain, caution should be given when such an inboardly canted LIM-pad isemployed in conjunction with conventional folding-lid Laptop-PC, wherebya 60-degree inboard LIM-pad angularity could (unless the LIM-pad werearranged well outset apart from the palm-rest/keyboard region) result inthe PC-laptop's fragile display-screen being carelessly closed-downimpinging upon the uppermost edge of the LIM-pad (which impact couldresult in costly repair of the display-screen). Therefore, when employedin conjunction with a PC-laptop, it is recommended the LIM-pad be eitherlaterally set apart sufficiently outboard as to avoid possible damage tothe PV-laptop lid's display-screen; or, otherwise the LIM-pad angularityshould be set at 91-95 degrees in verticalized modality,—therebynegating any potential interference with the closingdisplay-screen;—which in terms of ergonomics, remains well within theacceptable range of unstressed wrist-rotation orientation.

Moreover in this regard, it is a further object of this inventiondisclosure to set forth a LIM-pad which is to be borne integrally withthe PC-laptop, by simply folding the planar gliding-platen down flatintimately upon the PC-laptop's keyboard or proximal platform likepalm-rest surface;—such an inwardly folding iteration, being adapted aseither a fully integrated OEM (orig.-equip.mfg.) built-in embodiment, oras a PC-accessory retrofitable to old or new conventional PC-laptops.

B.) Therefore, in view of foregoing item-A, an essential object of thisinvention disclosure is to thus facilitate practical implementation ofmy above identified novel ergonomic improvements through means of aspecially adapted PC-mouse (either of the ‘hard-wired’ type, or of the‘wireless’ type) and associated novel Mouse-pad combination. Hence, anovel therapeutically ergonomic LIM (laterally-inboard mouse)-pad andPM/PC-mouse ensemble uniquely employing a constant *self-energized“MagnetCling™” action *(ie:—a ‘natural electron-force’ which activationis reliant upon neither drycell-battery nor line-current). It istherefore to be understood, that any conventional PC-mouse devicenormally working in conjunction with a conventional horizontal Mouse-pad(or often just a desk-top surface), can actually be adapted to my novelLIM-pad methodology;—once adapted with a suitable PM (permanent-magnet)device, and which can be implemented in ways heretofore unrealized. Thusanother object of this invention, is to set forth the adaptation of asubstantially conventional commercially available PC-mouse device(thereby herein becoming a PM/PC-mouse), to successfully work incooperation with the special LIM-pad portion of this overall inventiondisclosure. It is however submitted that such PC-mouse adaptation bepreferably directed implemented via the newer commercially availablehalf-size mini-mouse type designs, some of which are only about 2-inchesin length; such diminutive size is, owing their more technologicallyrefined engineering, being found to nevertheless still embody mostrequired operational PC-functions, yet desirably facilitate acommensurate down-sizing of the LIM-pad to present a much more elegantinstallation, which is most appealingly efficient as to spaceutilization.

Accordingly, my most economical implementation of such adaptation, thusrequires a simple PM/Retrofit-kit be provided, whereby a person cansimply trace a pattern of their existing PC-Mouse's ‘foot-print’(ie:—that slide-surface portion of an ordinary optical-mouse unitinterfacing upon the mouse-pad) unto the outwardly facing surface of apreferably 1/32″ to 3/32″ approximate thickness gauge of commerciallyavailable electro-magnetized to ‘ferro-polymer’ PM/sheet-stock material;then a through-hole or reflex-relief is included (enabling normalunoccluded projection and retro-reflexion of the mouse's existingoptical LED/light-beam); then, the adhesive-backing protective-filmsubstrate is peeled from the resulting ‘PM/gliding-shoe’, whereupon theonce trimmed to shape part is manually aligned and permanently pressedupon the bottom-side of the otherwise conventional PC-Mouse. Note thatin lieu of an actual port like aperture, the PM/gliding-shoe may ratherbe made in two-pieces (ie: a fore-portion & an aft-portion),—therebyherein regarded as tantamount to providing an equivalent ‘reflex-relief’gap.

Being that while the scope of this invention disclosure supports varioussorts of commercially available PM (permanent-magnet) deviceimplementations, owing its relatively no easy installation,—the mostpreferred type PM device adaptation is merely the common low-cost albeitrelatively low-energy flexible ferro-polymer sheet-stock. Thisconventional commercially-available material has been extruded (orcalendered) from a generally semi-anisotropic-grade ferrite strontiumgranulate admixture into a rubber-polymer resin, which resultingpreferred 1/32″- 3/32″ guage sheeting upon cooling to nearroom-temperature, is easily enmass post/electro-magnetized viamulti-pole method providing generally 4-12 neg(−) to pos.(+) alternatemultipuls per inch (a generally preferred magnetic energy-level of about0.63 to 0.73/MGOe's) is magnetically sufficiently strong as to hold a PMequipped PC-mouse stationary upon a vertical/ferrous-platen without itssliding-down via force of gravity, yet not so powerful as to pose aninitial friction-breakaway resistance problem technically referred to as‘striction’). The next optional procedure being to apply anadhesive-backing laminate upon one side, and an optional low-frictionsubstrate film (which can be a laminate or spray-coating) such asTeflon® upon the obverse side,—prior to finally die-cutting theindividual PM/gliding-shoes from the large sheet of prepared material.Note also, that another optional related method of producing a suitablePM/gliding-shoe, is to factory mold it in a suitable female-die via asimilar ferro-polymer resin (or equivalent albeit generally relativelybrittle ferrite-material) which is similarlypost/electro-magnetized;—whereby the resultant finished component-partintegrally forms the PC-mouse's underside to slide-surface.

In this regard, the ability of my assembled PM/PC-mouse to remainsustained in place via magnetic-cling (ie:—not slipping nor creepingdownward via gravity), is also effected by the surface-finish characterof the LIM-pad's gliding-platen. Recognizing an LED/optical-trackercannot function if interfacing a ferro-metal Mouse-pad gliding-platenhaving a highly polished or chrome-plated mirror-like finish, it isintended the gliding-platen face thus necessarily present a satin-finishor other surface exhibiting a fine-texture (such as attained via finesand-blasting or bead-blasting). Moreover, if a similarly texturedouter-facing substrate of Teflon® were coated upon the ferrous-polymerPM/glide-shoe or the ferrous-metal gliding-platen, the energy-level ofthe PM/ferrous-polymer material would need to be substantiallyincreased, as compared to a specimen PM/PC-mouse employing a bare-facedPM/glide-shoe interfacing upon a LIM-pad gliding-platen having nosubstrate coating. In contrast, a more coarsely-textured surface (alarge-grained sandblasted surface, or a surface brushed in thehorizontal direction only, or in radial-swirls) for example, can sufficewith a weaker PM-force (ie: self-energizing provided by apermanent-magnet medium, such as a ferro-polymer, ferrite, orrare-earth/magnet). Note also, that in experiments with the aboveextremely different surface-finish examples, it was found that most anyof the specimens could be thus engineeringly ‘tuned’ to provide agenerally smooth gliding-action, not exhibiting excessive striction, noruser noticeable breakaway-force via hand manipulation;—yet somecombinations of LIM-pad surface-quality vrs. PM/glide-shoemagnetic-force were indeed found to be superior; albeit for purposes ofthis disclosure shall remain within the realm of an engineering-designtrade-secret.

Moreover, a further engineering-design choice regarded as a viableequivalent arrangement is realized, and for sake of brevity ifconciseness of disclosure, is set forth whereby the respectivepositioning of the stated ferro-magnetic component (ie: usingferro-metal instead as the gliding-shoe material) member, and the statedPM energizing component (ie: using the ferro-polymer instead as thegliding-platen material) member may be interchangeablyjuxtaposed;—thereby enabling essentially the same “magnetic-cling”effect, thus tantamount to resorting of a substantially equivalentstructural apparatus. Accordingly, for the purposes of the claimeddisclosure, the preferred arrangement as is primarily being set forthherein, is regarded by this instant inventor as engineeringly the morepractical arrangement of materials, and as such shall be given theprimary focus, albeit without prejudice against the possibility of insome cases implementing this invention via justaposing of the clearlyidentified magnetically attractive cooperative members. Therefore,general reference to the above described interchangeably combinedpermanent-magnet and ferrous-metal members comprising this inventiondisclosure is—“the PM-force components”.

C.) Therefore, in view of foregoing items-A&B, yet another essentialobject of this invention is to provide generic variations of my LIM-pad,which includes a very basic if low-cost so-called L-shapedconfiguration, preferably constructed in one-piece from approximately1/16-inch guage sheet-steel (ferro-metal), which can be stacked andhigh-pressure hydro-cut (using water) as a rather figure-8 shapedflat-pattern, which matrix is longitudinally-scored so as to create apredisposition to yielding in a well defined manner when the matrix issubsequently bent to the desired gliding-platen portion angularity alongthe preferably longitudinal-scored linear bend-point. However, as aconcession to shipping-economy and retail/shelf-space, this post-formingbending procedure can be left for the retail-purchaser to finally bendfrom a flat-pattern into their preferred angularity (a simple proceduregenerally using the edge of their desk,—explained via an accompanyinginstruction-pamphlet).

A more elaborate LIM-pad embodiment essentially expands upon the abovebasic L-shaped version, whereto is included a 180-degree opposinglaterally outboardly directed support-foot member,—which preferably alsoincludes a longitudinal rest-tongue extension portion that can be madein mirror-image versions dedicated to either right-hand or left-handutilization. However, for sake of economy in retail-storeinventory-stocking, it is preferred that this more elaborate iterationbe made with a vertical pivot-mooring upon its approximate 3-inchstabilizer-foot, as to facilitate a conveniently pivotablerest-tongue;—thereby enabling the same LIM-pad to serve either left-handor right-hand users. In either the dedicated version or the reversibleversion of the rest-tongue feature, the essential purpose is to providea support for an elongate resting-cushion, preferably employing anapproximately ¾-inch deep longitudinal-trough providing ultimateergonomic support of the user's aftward hand region, as well as theirwrist and proximal forearm portion.

III.) DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT DRAWINGS

The foregoing and still other objects of this invention will becomefully apparent, along with various advantages and features of noveltyresiding in the present embodiments, from study of the followingdescription of the variant generic species embodiments and study of theensuing description of these embodiments. Wherein indicia of referenceare shown to match related matter stated in the text, as well as theClaims section annexed hereto; and accordingly, a better understandingof the invention and the variant uses is intended, by reference to thedrawings, which are considered as primarily exemplary and not to betherefore construed as restrictive in nature; wherein:

FIG. 1A, is a transverse cross-sectional semi-diagramatic view of anaverage right/human-wrist (as looking longitudinally toward the unshownhand) in a conventional problematically ‘pronated’ orientation relativeto an exemplified horizontal desktop surface, including indication as tothe relationship of normal extreme-range of physical-rotationlimitations, thereby dramatically demonstrating that the wrist isactually uncomfortably oriented at its approximate extreme CCW-positionas when operating a keyboard for example, while the opposite 135-degreeextreme CW-rotation is also indicated by way of arrow-reference;

FIG. 1B, is a cross-sectional view relating to FIG. 1A, wherein thehuman-wrist is by way of direct comparison shown at a therapeuticallyoptimal stress-relieved 68-degree CW-rotation orientation (relative tothe horizontal) as is being set forth in this instant inventiondisclosure, and including showing of the minimum allowable23-degree/CW-rotation as to studied ergonomic limitations of wristrotation;

FIG. 1C, is a cross-sectional view progression relating to examples 1A &1B, wherein the human-wrist is shown rotated-CW further to an alsocomfortable 90-degree angle relative to the horizontal, wheretoarrow-reference is also given indicating the maximum recommendedCW-rotation of 95-degrees;

FIG. 1D, is a generic-variant embodiment according to FIGS. 1B & 1C,wherein the operator's arm/wrist aggregation is enabled to follow anexemplified longitudinal-axis 90-degree/arc-of-rotation relative to anadjacent radius-arched LIM-pad and PMβPC-Mouse;

FIG. 2, is a frontal/elevation-view of a conventional PC-keyboard (orPC-laptop), showing the relationship thereto of the most elementaryembodiment of the invention being set forth in this inventiondisclosure, preferably including a user bendable angularity;

FIG. 3, is a pictorial view showing a right-oblique fragmented frontalaspect of an exemplified conventional PC-laptop unit, whereto isrepresented an exemplified preferred embodiment of this instantinvention disclosure, including phantom-outlining of the selectivelyreversible rest-tongue provision enabling convenient right-hand (shown)or left-hand operation of my LIM-pad device;

FIG. 4, is a bird's-eye semi-diagramatic plan-view of a conventionalPC-keyboard although relating to previous FIG. 3, here demonstrating howmy LIM-pad and cooperative magnetized PC-mouse can be optionallyarranged by the user either left or right in mirror-image fashion,preferably in combination with the pivotable rest-tongue;

FIG. 5A, showing scissors cutting a traced-pattern from ferro-plasticsheet-stock;

FIG. 5B, in enlarged-scale shows the underside of an optical PC-mouse,exemplifying how a PM-magnet may either be built-in or affixed to theunderside surface;

FIG. 6, is a front/elevation-view of the left-side portion of a specialPC-laptop unit, having an indegrated retractably-folding LIM-pad, herethe gliding-platen being shown in two positions, the retracted positionbeing indicated via phantom-outline, and the operationally deployedposition being shown via solid-line;

FIG. 7, is a front/elevation-view of the right-side portion of aconventional PC-laptop, whereto is shown a clip-on LIM-pad, here thegliding-platen being shown in three positions, the retracted positionbeing indicated via solid-line, and two operational positions beingshown via phantom-outline;

FIG. 8, is a semi-diagramatic pictorial-view demonstrating ageneric-variant embodiment, exemplifying how my LIM-pad invention may beadapted to non-desktop usage via an avulsable strap encircling a portionof the user's body such as their leg-thigh (here), arm, or wasteregion,—including relative indication of user's upper-arm and fore-arm.

IV.) ITEMIZED NOMENCLATURE REFERENCES

9—desktop (general horizontal plane of reference)

10 a/10 b,10 c,10 d,10 e,10 f—PC-keyboard/PC-laptop, lid, palm-rest,foot-pad, front

11 a,11 b—stressed human-wrist: horiz.-pronated Max./inward-rotation,Max./outward-rotation

12 a,12 b,12 c,12 d—relieved wrist: Max./in.-rotation, optimized,vertical, Max./out.-rotation

13 a,13 b,13 c/13 d—carpal-tunnel, flexor-tendons, median-nerve:normal/squeezed

14 a,14 b,14 c—ulnar-nerve, transverse/carpal-ligament, epidermis

15 a,15 b,15 c,15 d,15 e—human-hand, palm, hypothenar-eminence portion,thumb, fingers

16 a,16 b,16 c,16 d,16 e—wrist-bones, wrist-joint, forearm, elbow-joint,shoulder-joint

17 a/17 b—longitudinal-axis: wrist & hand rotation/wrist & hand fore-afttravel

18 a,18 b,18 c,18 d,18 e—PC-mouse, slide-surface, Lt.click, Rt.click,scroll-wheel, UCB-cord

19 a,19 b,19 c—PM/gliding-shoe, protective-film, adhesive-backing

20 a,20 b,20 c—reflex-relief, low-friction substrate, embeded-PM

21 a,21 b,21 c,21 d—gliding-platen: planar-face, arched-face, perimeter,backside

22 a,22 b,22 c,22 d—gliding-platen: support-base, longitudinal-bend,stabilizer-foot, relief-hole

23,23′/23″—LIM-pad, bending adj.-action ref.arrows:decrease-angle/increase-angle

24 a,24 b,24 c,24 d—cushion-cover, resting-cushion, longitudinal-trough,vertical pivot-axis

25L/25R;25′/25″—rest-tongue orientation: left/right;male-snap/female-snap

26 a,26 b,26 c—ferrous-plastic sheet-stock, scissors, traced-outline

27,27′,27″—folding gliding-platen positions: stowed, semi-upright,upright

28 a,28 b,28 c—folding gliding-platen: support-flange, pivot-journal,hinge-axis

29 a,29 b,29 c—folding gliding-platen: retention-clip, support-journal,180-degree bend

30 a,30 b,30 c—mounting-recess, dogleg-bend, spatial-offset

31 a,31 b,31 c—remote LIM-pad: hook-&-loop strap (ie: Velcro®),release-tab

32 a,32 b,32 c—human-leg, human-thigh, human-knee

33—conventional RF/PC-Mouse (no UCB-cord) adapted as an RF-PM/PC-mouse

34 a,34 b—conventional Optical-tracker: LED & Refractory-element,light-beam

Display-screen cursor correlating axes: X′=up, X″=down, Y′=right,Y″=left

V.) DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Initial explanatory reference is given by way of sequential FIGS.1A/1B/1C, wherein is exhibited an artists's rudimentary conceptionalcross-sectional view of a human-wrist, FIG. 1A exemplifying the usualproblematical ‘pronated’ orientation of 0-degrees at 11 a (typicalmax.-physical inboard-rotation) of the wrist relative to a generallyhorizontal desktop surface 9; while an attendantsweeping-arch/tapering-ref.arrow thereto indicates the correspondingforced typical max.-physical outboard-rotation 11 b (CW for theright-hand) of 135-degrees. These illustrations further clearly revealhow the normally vital median-nerve 13 c in FIGS. 1B/1C (which servesthe thumb and 2½ adjoining fingers), and to some extent the ulnar-nerve14 a(which serves the remaining distal 2½ fingers), and owing spatialrestrictiveness can actually become tramatically squeezed within thecarpal-tunnel region 13 a, hence essentially pressed between adjoiningflexor-tendons 13 b and the transverse/carpal-ligament 14 b do to theinboardly extreme CCW/rotational-torquing of the wrist 11 a. In thisregard, by way of direct comparison, contrast the entirely relieved(normally unsqueezed) condition 13 c of the same median-nerve in thesubsequent FIG. 1B sequence. Accordingly, that region of the wrist whichis surrounded by the six aggregate regional wrist-bones 16 a is known asthe carpal-tunnel 13 a; while the illustrated critical condition of FIG.1A identifies the exacerbating condition determined to be the cause ofdreaded CTS (carpal-tunnel syndrome) commonly leading to RMI(repetitive-motion injury). Although certain persons are moresusceptible (such as diabetics), RMI resultantly comes about because ofan aggrevatingly prolonged pinched or squeezed condition, the direeffect of wrist-pronation accumulating usually over several days ofcontinued traumatic abuse of the median-nerve 13 d, albeit initiallyunbeknownst to the conventional PC-mouse user.

Accompanying FIGS. 1B & 1C serve to illustrate via an exemplifiedprogressive rotation of the right-hand/wrist (ie—hence the followingexplanation also sufficing for the left-hand/wrist when interpreted inmirror-image) the acceptable orientations of the human-wrist whenoperating a PC-mouse (or even a typing-keyboard for that matter),whereto the instant inventor hereof has via Human-engineeringresearch-study determined the minimum amount of recommendedCW/wrist-rotation from the horizontal as is indicated at position 12 a,which pre-medially constitutes approximately 23-degrees minimally fromhorizontal;—although i have determined the optimal orientation toactually be medially positioned neutrally at 12 b in FIG. 1B, which isapproximately 68-degrees CW/wrist-rotation from the horizontal base-lineof reference 9.

In FIG. 1C we see a fully verticalized hand/wrist orientation of 90-93degrees, shown comfortably supported upon optional preferredhypotenar-eminence (ie:—herein identified as the longitudinal-extensionaftward from the outer-portion of one's little-finger into thehand/wrist/forearm region) support-cushion longitudinal-trough 24 b. Thefinal diagram FIG. 1D of the sequences, shows a generic-variantembodiment featuring a verticalized arched-face gliding-platen 21 b,which is preferably radiused proximal to the longitudinal-axis 17 a ofwrist/hand/forearm-rotation, an arrangement thereby enabling the user tooperate the PC-Mouse merely by rotating their forearm 16 c alonglongitudinal-axis 17 a, while simultaneously moving their forearm alongthe longitudinal-axis fore/aft travel path 17 b. Although useful to mostanyone operating a PC-mouse, this specialized embodiment is regarded bythis inventor as being particularly suitable for persons afflicted withsome manner of disability, which would limit the usual articulatingmovements of ones fingers in manipulatingly maneuvering the PC-Mouse 18a through its usual XY-axes. In FIG. 1D, for sake of convenient directangularity comparison, is shown a three-stage overlaysuperimposed-composite of wrist-rotation (wherein ‘X’=97-deg. totalnominal rotation), ranging from minimal allowable CCW orientation 12 a(23-deg. CW from horizontal 9), through vertical-carpal post-medialposition 12 c (90-deg. CW from horiz.), to extreme rotational-position12 d (120-deg. CW from horiz.);—while the exemplified PC-Mouse 18 amovement—X′ corresponds to wrist/arm-rotation toward 12 d, andmovement—X″ thus corresponds to hand/wrist/forearm—rotation toward 12 a.Hence, enabling user's oppositively grasping thumb/fingers to move thePM/PC-mouse in a verticalized X-axes direction by rotating theirwrist/forearm; while repositioning of the PM/PC-mouse in an Y-axesdirection is urged primarily via coordinated fore/aft action of theforearm.

Although FIG. 2 exhibits an alternate left-hand rudimentaryinstallation, nevertheless the exemplified 90-degree verticalizedPC-Mouse LIM-pad 23 having gliding-platen 21 a, actually correlates tothe earlier described albeit right-hand example of FIG. 1C sequence,which arrangements are as stated,—merely mirror-image equivalents. ThisFIG. 2 installation thus exemplifies my rudimentary L-shaped LIM-padconfiguration 23, which is simply comprised of a stationary support-base22 a portion, preferably formed contegiously with the gliding-platenportion 21 a;—whereto is shown how a weight bearing foot-pad 10 eportion of a conventional PC-keyboard or Laptop structure 10 a/10 b, canserve to both stabilize and hold the gliding-platen 21 a from skewingout of necessarily stationary position as the user moves the PC-mouse 18a about during its normal XY-axis gliding operation (the unshowndisplay-screen cursor thereby responding accordingly). However, in lieuof the support-base 22 a being so weighted upon, if the LIM-pad 23 isused apart from the PC-keyboard, then rather than a felt/under-facingthe underside of the foot-like support-base 22 a should preferablyemploy a more slide-resistant material (not actually shown) such as arough-textured gum-rubber or course-textured cork,—which provide agreater coefficient of friction interfacing the desktop surface 9.Additionally, if intended to be used apart from the PC-keyboard orPC-laptop in a stand-alone manner, the LIM-pad's support-base can alsobe weighted for additional anti-tip quality;—especially when employed inthe fully verticalized manner eluded to in FIGS. 1C/2.

Another preferred feature of the LIM-pad 23 is its advantageously simplelongitudinal-bend 22 b provision, which is also preferablylinearly-scored as to thereby aid precise linear-bending along astraight-line, lending a predisposition to bending;—somewhat the effectof one's creasing a page of a letter for folding prior to mailing. Theresulting one-piece component is preferably fabricated from a singlesheet of die-cut (or equivalent water-cut/laser-cut) 1/16-inch guagesheet-steel (optionally galvanized or chrome-plated or equivalent), itsnarrowed although preferably integrated contegious-jointlongitudinal-bend portion 22 b thereby conveying a rather figure-8 likeflat-pattern shape, as revealed by the gliding-platen's verticalizedpreferably circular perimeter 21 c portion in FIG. 3. Therefore, if theLIM-pad were furnished to the retail-purchaser in unbent form, albeitprovided with a factory pre-scored demarcation along region 22 b, thenthis redimentary LIM-pad can be economically shipped as a flat-package,whereby the essentially rigid albeit yieldingly narrowed baselongitudinal-bend 22 b thus enables the user to simply place thefactory-scored longitudinal-bend demarcation along the edge of theirdesktop or opened-drawer edge, and thereby manually force the thusductilely yielding rigid upper gliding-platen portion 21 a to user'sdesired therapeutic upward angularity, such as is eluded to in FIG. 2via attendant bending-action ref.-arrow pointing to reference-line 23′(this example thus suggesting manually-rebending to a differentangularity) as to optionally comply with the considered optimal68-degree medial wrist-rotation angle 12 b previously identified in FIG.1B). Accordingly, it is understood that the resulting simple one-pieceessentially rigid structure, serves to obviate complexity, yet owing thenature of mild-steel, can be subsequently rebent numerous times withoutonset of metal-fatigue fracture and resultant breakage along thepre-scored longitudinal-bend 22 b,—if user's gliding-platen angularitypreference should change over time.

Reference to FIG. 3 exhibits the right-frontal 10 f portion of aconventional PC-laptop 10 b, whereto is revealed a more elaborateLIM-pad embodiment for desktop usage, employing the much preferredcircular perimeter 21 c of gliding-platen 21 a (yet optionally can befashioned in some other perimeter-shape, such as rounded-corner squaredperimeter for example), although shown here in preferred combination asa dual/opposed-leg arrangement (as versus the single-leg example of FIG.2), whereby a laterally opposing 180-degree outboardly directedhorizontal stabilizer-foot 22 c acts cooperatively to provide additionalanti-tipping stability (particularly advantageous when the LIM-pad isset apart from the weight-bearing foot-pad 10 e of a PC-keyboard orPC-laptop). The FIG. 3 embodiment also reveals via phantom-outline thatthe smaller opposing support-base 22 a portion is preferably water-cut(or laser-cut outline) from the lager stabilizer-foot 22 c, therebyleaving a relief-hole 22 d when the smaller support-base portion 22 a issubsequently bent 180-degrees inboardly therefrom;—hence, the LIM-padthus comprising three divervent radial-elements extending from thecommon longitudinal-bend region 22 b. Therefore, this exemplifiedLIM-pad structure 23 being preferably economically derived from a singlepiece of ferrous-metal, thereby advantageously obviating need for usualassembly of separate plastic parts in support of a substantiallyverticalized ferrous-metal gliding-platen portion.

Additionally, the stabilizer-foot member 22C can employ a dedicatedlongitudinally-elongate rest-tongue 25R, which serves to support arest-cushion 24 b which preferably includes a longitudinal-trough 24 c;however it is still even further preferred that the rest-tongue 25R (orsame member 25L as the case may be) include a pivot-axis 24 d (ref. FIG.4) thereby enabling the same LIM-pad wrist/arm-rest cushion 24 b toserve at either the right or left sides of any PC-keyboard or PC-laptopas is demonstrated via the large action ref.arrow showing how therest-tongue 25R can be readily swung around 180-degrees to its alternateposition 25L. Note also in FIG. 3, that besides the lowermost aftwardhypothernar-eminence portion of the users hand-palm, thephantom-outlined exemplified user's wrist 16 b and forearm 16 c are alsopreferably at rest comfortably upon the U-shaped resting-trough 24 bafforded by the overall cushion 24 a. Accordingly, it has been found itis best to leave the fingers (including one's lowermost little-finger)projecting longitudinally free to articulatively manipulate the PC-mouse18 a without interfering contact with the softly rounded-terminus of thecushion 24 a. The cushioning-material 24 b underlying the outer-covering24 a is preferably a low-density polyurethane-foam (preferablyopen-celled for breathing), while the outer-covering 24 a is preferablya commercially-available adhesively-bonded polyester stretch-fabrichaving a posh ¼-inch soft-mohair like texture, which combination isfound to be exceptionally soothing to a user's skin,—even after hours ofuse during the course of a hot-humid day. Also note in FIGS. 3&4 thatalthough an ordinary rivet-fastener would suffice, the LIM-pad'soptional pivot-axis 24 d mooring is preferably comprised of aconventional male-snap 25′ which is installed coaxially indexed onpivot-axis 24 d of the pivotable rest-tongue 25L/R, and thus manuallypresses into a conventional mating circular female-snap 25″ membercentered on the pivot-axis 24 d of the fixed stabilizer-foot 22 c;—thispositive-retention thereby also enabling the support-tongue 25(R/L) tobe readily detached for easy replacement when desired without aid of anytool (while the respective positions of the identified male and femalesnap devices may be optionally juxtaposed without effecting their basicfunction).

Next, reference to FIG. 5A shows an exemplified rudimentary procedurefor preparing a suitable PM/gliding-shoe (19 a in FIG. 5B) member fromthe traced-pattern 26 c inscribed upon the raw-stock of preferablyferrous-plastic material 26 a, shown symbolically being cut-out viascissors 26 b;—which resulting PM/gliding-shoe matrix is subsequentlyshown in FIG. 5B relative to the generally planar underside(bottom-side) existing slide-surface 18 b of a conventional non-magneticPC-mouse 18 a (preferably not of the old bottom/tracking-ball type)rather of the optical-tracking retro-reflex type, employing aflush-mounted inset conventional generally red-LED & refractory-element34 a. The preferably thin PM/gliding-shoe 19 a shown is preferablyeconomically production-diecut for factory PC-mouse installations,rather than being individually retrofitted to a users existing PC-mouse.Howsoever, the ferrous-polymer material is adapted to fit intimatelybeneath the perimeter-outline of a PC-mouse's slide-surface to which itis affixed, and is preferably fashioned from a larger sheet of flexilePM/ferro-polymer sheet-stock material 26 a (generally approximately1/32-inch to 3/32-inch guage thickness) as exemplified in FIG. 5A.Additionally, an optical-projection reflex-relief 20 a must be provided(either as a port shown, or as an equivalent gap provision) as to allowthe optical-tracker to function in its normal retro-reflective mannerindicated at 34 b; then a preferred protective-film substrate 19 b isalso peeled-away, thereby exposing the self-stick adhesive-backing 19c,—at which point the PM/gliding-shoe 19 a is permanently affixed uponthe PC-mouse's existing slide-surface 18 b (according to the attendantaction ref.arrows pointing toward the PC-mouse in FIG. 5);—therebycompleting conversion of a conventional PC-mouse into a PM/PC-mouse,which will thus effectively cling to the verticalized gliding-platen ofmy various sorts of LIM-pads 23. However If preferred, thePM/gliding-shoe may alternately be made from a similarly thin-gauge ofrigid ferrous-metal, which is then likewise factory affixed (or securedvia screws or clip-on means if preferred) upon the PC-mouse'sslide-surface 18 b; and thus ostensibly functioning in the very samemanner as the PM/ferro-plastic material when that material is insteademployed as the gliding-platen 21 a (and actually appearingsubstantially the same in the disclosure drawings).

Another alternate embodiment is indicated in FIG. 5B as an embeded-PM(permanent-magnet) 20 c preferably of the more powerful rare-earth typeowing the magnet's being internal housed instead of external; and whichdevice is indicated via phantom-outline 20 c to be arranged therein as afactory installed within the PC-mouse thereby providing a specialPM/PC-mouse apparatus;—the two types of magnetic (ie: PM/gliding-shoe 19a and the embeded-PM 20 c) configurations are mutually exclusive,—thatis, they are preferably not utilized in stacked combination, as by doingso there would be greater cost,—yet no possible advantage to be realizedby such added complexity.

In some cases a PC-operator may prefer to adapt use of their existingPC-mouse of the conventional stationary-type having a topsidefinger-manipulated tracking-ball;—which is readily achieved for use atverticalized angles of 23-45/degrees (beyond which angularity thetracking-ball may tend to fall out of its pocket-seat). Again, this canbe facilitated by the user merely fashioning a traced-outline 26 c oftheir mouse base-perimeter upon the afore described PM/ferro-polymersheet-stock material 26 a, and applying the resulting scissor-cut 26 bPM/gliding-shoe 19 a to the stationary PC-mouse's underside, albeitwithout need of an afore mentioned optical relief-port 20 a therein.Furthermore, it may be noted that while the moving type of PM/PC-mousecan possibly benefit from optional application of a surface coated orlaminated low-friction substrate 20 b of FIG. 5B,—such a provision wouldserve no advantageous purpose in the case of a conventional stationarytype PC-mouse adapted to use upon the LIM-pad as a PM/PC-mouse.Moreover, it is alternatively considered that some versions of theLIM-pad's gliding-face 21 a may be similarly surface coated or laminatedwith a low-friction substrate 20 b according to FIG. 3.

In addition to the foregoing disclosed features of novelty, there remainother subtle, however vital improvements which are to become herein moreevident and understood as offering important differences oncestudied;—for example, the generic-variant presentation of FIGS. 6&7reveals how a PC-laptop can also be rather surprisingly compactlyadapted with a retractable fold-away LIM-pad, which presence issubstantially concealed when the PC-laptop's existing hinged-lid 10 c ishinged to its closed position as represented at 27 in FIG. 7 (andindicated via phantom-outline in FIG. 6). In FIG. 6 the exemplifiedfolding gliding-platen iteration is exemplified as entirely built-in asan ultimately low-profile embodiment, whereto the opposing ends of itsrigid hinge-axis 28 c are preferably fixedly anchored via amounting-recess 30 a formed into the sidewall of the PC-laptop'shousing. Additionally, the gliding-platen 27 preferably includes a baseto platen convergence region configured with a right-angle dogleg-bend30 b region,—thereby facilitating a critically desirable spatial-offset30 c when the gliding-platen 21 d is unfolded 90-degrees to its verticalposition 27″;—which dogleg-bend is thereby revealed to advantageouslydisplace the uppermost perimeter edge 21 c of the verticalizedgliding-platen 27″ safely outboard from the radially hinging trajectoryof the PC-laptop's descending lid 10 c during closing, therebyadvantageously obviating the possibility of inadvertently incurringpotential impact damage to the costly display-screen (unshown)conventionally housed within the confines of the conventional lid'srigid-framework 10 c.

Alternately, a generic-variant folding gliding-platen embodiment setforth in FIG. 7 facilitates a nevertheless similarly compactconfiguration, which owing its compliantly resilient universal-mountconfiguration is advantageously retrofitable as an accessory to aconventional PC-laptop. This iteration is therefore readily adaptable tomost existing PC-laptop, which typically have a planar hand-rest 10 dsurface (ref. FIG. 3 as well) upon which is preferably braced an uppersupport-flange 28 a portion of the flexile retention-clip 29 a memberpreferably employing two right-angle bends comprising a complete180-degree (actually to 185-degrees as to attain a firm clasping action)U-shaped bend 29 c; thereby facilitating its impinging tightly upwardfast against the substantially planar underside of the exemplifiedconventional PC-laptop. While the afore described integralretention-clip member 29 a is preferably made of stainless-steel, it canalternatively be economically molded of a transparent preferablysmoky-colored high-strength polycarbonate-plastic (or of a stifferchopped-glass/filler-reinforced opaque-black polycarbonate-plastic ifpreferred);—while the integral said support-flange portion 28 a includessuitably supportive pivot-journals 28 b receiving a preferably tightlyfitted pivot-axis member 28 c. This straight forward arrangement therebypreferably acting to frictionably maintain the foldable ferrous-metalgliding-platen member 27 fast at any manually biased position to whichit is placed. In either (metal or plastic) universal accessoryembodiment, the retrofitting-mount is preferably held in place simplyvia friction of the cooperatively opposing retention-clip 29 a andsupport-flange 28 a members, whereby a clasping-action is simultaneouslyexerted upon the PC-laptop's underside and opposite palm-rest surface 10d;—thereby facilitating adaptation as a readily attachable accessory.Naturally, more permanent adhesive or mechanical-fastener attachmentmeans can be alternatively resorted to if preferred; but as such isregarded substantially as an engineering-design choice. Accordingly,either of the two retractably folding gliding-platen iterations (theintegrated version of FIG. 6, or the accessorized version of FIG. 7) maybe selectively biased into horizontally stowed-modality position 27, oralternatively biased upward into semi-upright operational-modalityposition 27′ (here at a 45-degree angle), or biased fully upright intooperational-modality position 27″. This hingeably folding action can beeasily executed innumerable times (even while the PC-laptop is poisedupon one's lap while seated in an airliner for example);—instead ofbeing limited to only an occassional yielding repositioning as isprovided by the essentially fixed-position iteration described in FIGS.1C/2/3;—although it is to be understood that my earlier exemplifiedrigid desktop LIM-pad embodiments can be similarly constructed tocompactly fold-flat horizontally per FIGS. 6&7 as well if preferred (asan engineering-design choice). Moreover, in lieu of the axled-hingeconstruction exemplified as a preferred embodiment, it is known that aso-called living-hinge means may be employed (usually of apolyproplyene-polymer, which can be flexed 90-degrees along alongitudinal-bend point thousands of times without failure); whichimplementation remains within the purview of this disclosure, althoughlacking the preferred simplistic advantage of utilizing inherentaxial-friction to maintain a selected repositioning of thegliding-platen, without introducing complexity of additional positionincrimental-indexing mechanism, or a finite axial spring-loadedslip-clutch like mechanism.

Lastly, in FIG. 8 is exemplified my third generic-variant embodiment,designed to be utilized apart from the immediate conventionalPC-keyboard or PC-laptop; and as such is essentially only comprised of apreferably planar circular remote gliding-platen 31 a having anelastic-loop or more preferably a Velcro® (avulsable hooks-&-loops) typeencircling strap 31 b preferably affixed to its aftward surface 21 d, soas to thereby simply encircle the user's thigh 32 b as shown (orsimilarly their forearm or waist region). While this alternate LIM-padconfiguration is substantially equivalent in operating principle to thatset forth in preceding FIGS. 1D/2/3/4, and may be of a planargliding-platen type configuration such as 21 a (in FIG. 2), albeit morepreferably configured as a rather body-conforming curvex design 21B suchas exemplified in FIG. 1D, whereby the preferably wirelessRF-PM/PC-mouse 33 of FIG. 8 would in this case be interfacing upon theoutwardly directed convex arched-face, as is indicated viaphantom-outline in FIG. 1D. Noting also, it is preferred that thePM/gliding-shoes designated 19 a in FIG. 1D be suitably formed slightlyconcave as to intimately interface upon a convex gliding-platen, andconversely formed slightly convex so as to more intimately interfaceupon a concave gliding-platen (both as exemplified in FIG. 1D).

Accordingly, in this particular FIG. 8 adaptation, where thegliding-platen 31 a is generally to be utilized further apart from thePC-computer unit, it is rather preferred that a conventionalcommercially available RF (radio-frequency)/PC-mouse be adapted with thePM/gliding-foot constructed according to the example of FIG. 5). Thispreferred wireless arrangement of components, thus obviating thepresence of a potentially entangling roving-restrictive UCB-cord,thereby enabling the user to stand and freely roam about,—as during thecourse of a lecture for example, while the RF-signal is neverthelessstill reliably transmitting any user repositioning of the RF-PM/PC-mouse33. When used while sitting, the user's forearm 16 c, can remain relaxeddown aside their thigh 32 b while via fore/aft movement compellingcoordination of the 33 RF-PM/PC-mouse's Y′& Y″-axes, while slightraising/lowering of their forward forearm (ie: near the wrist region)simultaneously compels coordination of the said RF-PM/PC-mouse'scorrelating X′& X″-axes as the four ref.-arrows extending from theRF-PM/PC-mouse 33 indicate in FIG. 8. This embodiment thus enabling itsuser to conveniently sit, or get up and roam to a lecture-lectern (notshown) very remote from their slave PC-unit (can be of the conventionaltower-housing type, need not be a portable PC-laptop unit), and onlyoccasionally reach-down to their side, as to thereby manipulate thevarious conventional actuating provisions of the RF-PM/PC-mouse 33;—theadvantageous “magnetic-cling” of the RF-PM/PC-mouse 33 and associatedLIM-pad 31 a aggregation always maintaining the selected XY-axescoordinates, thereby liberating users from the relative restrictivenessof previous PC-mouse accommodations; whereby their hands are freed tomake notes, or turn pages at lectern for example.

Thus, it is readily understood how the preferred and generic-variantembodiments of this invention contemplate performing functions in anovel way not heretofore available nor realized. It is implicit that theutility of the foregoing adaptations of this invention are notnecessarily dependent upon any prevailing invention patent;—and, whilethe present is invention has been well described hereinbefore by way ofcertain illustrated embodiments, it is to be expected that variouschanges, alterations, rearrangements, and obvious modifications may beresorted to by those skilled in the art to which it relates, withoutsubstantially departing from the implied spirit and scope of the instantinvention. Therefore, the invention has been disclosed herein by way ofexample, and not as imposed limitation, while the appended Claims setout the scope of the invention sought, and as such, are to be construedas broadly as the terminology therein employed permits, reckoning thatthe invention verily comprehends every use of which it is susceptible.Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention in which an exclusiveproperty or proprietary privilege is claimed, are defined as follows:

1.) An ergonomic PC-mouse and Mouse-pad for PC-operation, said apparatuscomprising: a conventional PC-mouse adapted with a PM/gliding-shoe meanscooperating with a LIM-pad means employing a ferrous-metalgliding-platen as to provide a constant magnetic-cling action; saidLIM-pad including a supporting means maintaining said gliding-platenarranged laterally inboard relative to user's hand and wristlongitudinal-axis at a therapeutically verticalized angularityapproximately 23-95 degrees from horizontal. 2.) The ergonomic PC-mouseapparatus according to claim-1, wherein the PM-force components assignedto said LIM-pad and said PC-mouse are relatively interchangeable, thusjuxtapositionable according to manufacturer's engineering-designpreference, whereby an alternative equivalent PM/gliding-platen meansand a PC-mouse adapted with a ferrous-metal gliding-shoe means,facilitate the same said constant magnetic-cling action; hencetantamount to resorting of an equivalent apparatus. 3.) An ergonomicallyimproved PC-mouse and Mouse-pad ensemble addressing RMI-syndromeassociated with personal-computer operation; said apparatus comprising:a.) a conventional PC-mouse adapted with a self-energized PM-force meansproviding a constant magnetic-cling action, enabling resultingPM/PC-mouse to remain at a manually selected X&Y-axes position uponremoval of user's hand therefrom, yet said PM/PC-mouse is easily glidedto alternate X&Y-axes positions when again urged by hand; b.) acooperative LIM-pad means having a ferrous-metal gliding-platen memberand supporting means of sufficient rigidity as to maintain saidgliding-platen arranged laterally inboard relative to users wristlongitudinal-axis at a verticalized angularity approximately 23-95degrees from horizontal; c.) a resulting physiological therapeuticadvantage as user's wrist is thereby rotated into a comfort-zone ofoperation, thus relieving user's wrist carpal-tunnel region of tramatictorsional-stress impingement of their median-nerve. 4.) The ergonomicPC-mouse ensemble according to claim-3, wherein said PM-force means isprovided by a PM/gliding-shoe means molded from a ferro-polymercomposition then electro-magnetized to integrally form the PC-mouse'sslide-surface. 5.) The ergonomic PC-mouse ensemble according to claim-3,wherein said PM-force means is a PM/gliding-shoe means fabricated fromcommercially available electro-magnetized ferro-polymer material adaptedto fit intimately beneath the perimeter-outline of a PC-mouse'sslide-surface to which it is affixed. 6.) The ergonomic PC-mouseensemble according to claim-3, wherein said PM-force means is providedby an embeded-PM device arranged within the PC-mouse housing. 7.) Theergonomic PC-mouse ensemble according to claim-3, wherein said PM-forcemeans is provided by a PM/gliding-shoe means, whereto a low-frictionsubstrate is included upon the outwardly-exposed face of saidPM/gliding-shoe. 8.) The ergonomic PC-mouse ensemble according toclaim-3, wherein a low-friction substrate is provided upon face of saidgliding-platen means. 9.) The ergonomic PC-mouse ensemble according toclaim-3, wherein said PM-force means is provided by a PM/gliding-shoemeans, and includes a reflex-relief means enabling unimpeded projectionof PC-mouse's optical-tracker LED/light-beam. 10.) The ergonomicPC-mouse ensemble according to claim-3, wherein said LIM-padgliding-platen is made of ferrous-metal having a substantially circularperimeter, and includes a rigid support-base means employing acontiguous-joint longitudinal-bend means capable of yielding formanual-rebending to a different said angularity. 11.) The ergonomicLIM-pad member according to claim-10, wherein said support-base meansextends horizontally inboard from said longitudinal-bend, whereto acooperative stabilizer-foot portion is included extending horizontallyin the opposite outboard direction; said LIM-pad thus comprising asingle sheet of ferrous-metal cut and formed into three radial-elementsextending divergently from said longitudinal-bend. 12.) The ergonomicPC-mouse ensemble according to claim-11, wherein said stabilizer-footportion includes an outset vertical pivot-axis mooring means, whereto arest-tongue supporting a resting-cushion is pivotally moored as to bearranged to the right outboard position proximal said gliding-platenface for right-handed users; or alternately for left-handed users, canthus be pivotally swung around 180-degrees for relocation to a leftoutboard position proximal said gliding-platen. 13.) The ergonomicPC-mouse ensemble according to claim-12, wherein said resting-cushionincludes a longitudinal-trough formation for comfortably supporting thehypothenar-eminence region of user's hand/wrist/forearm 14.) Theergonomic PC-mouse ensemble according to claim-12, wherein said pivotalmooring means is a circular female-snap adapted as to coaxially indexwith positive-retention relative to a mating male-snap portion; oralternatively, said male/female-snaps may be arranged juxtaposed intosaid respective positions. 15). The ergonomic PC-mouse ensembleaccording to claim-3, wherein said LIM-pad supporting means includes alongitudinal hinge-axis means, enabling said gliding-platen to beselectively biased between a horizontally stowed-modality and saidverticalized angularity operational-modality. 16.) The ergonomicPC-mouse ensemble according to claim-15, wherein said longitudinalhinge-axis means is integrated with the sidewall of a PC-laptop, therebyenabling said gliding-platen member to be selectively biased into astow-mode position sandwiched beneath the PC-laptop's closed lid; oralternatively, reopening of the lid enabling said gliding-platen bebiased upward into said verticalized operational-modality. 17.) Thefolding gliding-platen according to claim-16, wherein saidgliding-platen includes a right-angle dogleg-bend portion proximal saidhinge-axis, thereby providing a critical spatial-offset when saidgliding-platen is biased upward into a 90-degree open position; therebyobviating potential damage by closing of the PC-laptop's display-screendownward upon upper rim region of said gliding-platen. 18.) The foldinggliding-platen according to claim-15, wherein said hinge-axis isanchored into a U-shaped mounting-clip means comprised of an uppersupport-flange portion impinging frictionally upon the PC-laptop'spalm-rest surface, while a contiguous opposing lower spring-clip portionincludes a 180-degree bend as to thereby impinge tightly against thePC-laptop's underside; thereby facilitating a clasping-action wherebysaid LIM-pad is adapted as an attachable accessory. 19.) The ergonomicPC-mouse ensemble according to claim-15, wherein said gliding-platen ismade of thin rigid ferrous-metal. 20.) The ergonomic PC-mouse ensembleaccording to claim-3, wherein said LIM-pad means includes an encirclingstrap means enabling remote use supported upon some portion of theuser's body, while said PM/PC-mouse is conveniently held by saidmagnetic-cling action alone; and whereby said PM/PC-mouse can beoperated through its two-dimensional X&Y-axes merely by grasping-actionof user's manipulating thumb and fingers in coordinated combination witha skewing motion of their hand at the wrist. 21.) The ergonomic PC-mouseensemble according to claim-3, wherein said LIM-pad's gliding-platenface forms a concave arched-face arranged on a horizontal-plane relativeto an approximate radius from the longitudinal-axis of userswrist-region, thereby enabling user's grasping thumb/fingers to movesaid PM/PC-mouse in a verticalized X-axes direction by rotating theirhand/wrist/forearm; whilst repositioning of the PM/PC-mouse in an Y-axesdirection is urged via coordinated fore/aft action of their forearm.22.) The ergonomic PC-mouse ensemble according to claim-3, wherein saidPC-mouse is of the conventional stationary type employing a topsideXY-axes positioning finger-ball, hence said LIM-pad gliding-platenserves essentially to hold this type of PC-mouse fixed at atherapeutically ergonomic said verticalized attitude. 23.) The ergonomicPC-mouse ensemble according to claim-3, wherein said PM-force functionsassigned to said LIM-pad and said PC-mouse are relativelyinterchangeable, and as such can be juxtaposed according tomanufacturer's engineering-design preference; thereby providing analternative equivalent PM/LIM-pad means and a PC-mouse adapted with aferro-magnetic gliding-shoe means, whilst facilitating the same saidconstant magnetic-cling action; hence tantamount to resorting of anequivalent apparatus. 24.) A method of converting a conventionalPC-mouse into an ergonomically improved PC-mouse and Mouse-pad ensemble,for addressing RMI-syndrome; said method comprising: a.) an existingcommercially available PC-mouse unit; b.) a retrofit-kit is providedincluding a sheet of conventional PM/ferro-polymer material cut to fitthe traced perimeter-outline of the PC-mouse's slide-surface, then aprotective-film is peeled-away exposing an adhesive-backing, whereby aresulting PM/gliding-shoe is permanently applied to PC-Mouse'sslide-surface; c.) a cooperative LIM-pad is also provided having aferro-magnetic gliding-platen means, and including a supporting meansplacing said gliding-platen at a laterally inboard angle ofapproximately 23-95 degrees relative to the horizontal; d.) a resultingbeneficial physiological advantage, whereby users palm and wrist are nolonger horizontally pronated, hence weight of users hand and forearm areborne upon their outer-lateral region apart from said gliding-platen,thereby relieving user's wrist/carpal-tunnel region of traumatictorsional-stress impingement of the median-nerve.